Sideswipe: T-Rex out west

Opinion

Mark Bloxham took this picture on the way back from Piha a few weeks ago, revelling in the brilliant, innocent humour. "I went past last weekend, and it was back to normal, the spiky bits removed ... sigh ... live and let live I say!"

Blood type key to personality

In Japan, your blood type indicates personality and has implications for life, work and love - much like horoscopes do here. Women's magazines publish stories filled with blood type and romantic compatibility wisdom, suggesting that people with an A blood type are dependable and self sacrificing, but reserved and prone to worry. Those with O type blood are decisive and confident and ABs are well balanced, clear-sighted and logical, but also high-maintenance and distant. Those with the blood group B are to be avoided apparently; they're flamboyant free-thinkers, but selfish. (Source: BBC.co.uk)

Pay and display - don't overstay

A reader has a warning about the Chancery Building carpark on the corner of Kitchener St and Bankside St (just behind Victoria St carpark): "It is a public pay and display carpark on top of the roof of the Chancery building which is privately operated and not a council carpark. This means if you overstay the time displayed on your ticket you don't get a fine, you'll get towed! There are signs that say tow away but because it is pay and display you could be forgiven for thinking towing is for those who don't display a ticket or if you park in someone's designated area ... but it doesn't state clearly that if your ticket expires you will be towed!"

Water fountain obstacle

The Hudson County (NY) Public Works Commissioner proudly displayed his high-tech, handicapped-accessible water fountain (agreed to in his office's 2003 settlement with the Americans with Disabilities Act lawsuit). Trouble is, it's on the second floor, which is reached from street level by stairway only (or by being lowered by helicopter). (Source: Weirduniverse.net)

Flagged down in neck of time

Calvin Tyler writes: "The unsecured load story reminded me of an incident last year. The family and I were heading home from the beach and spotted an SUV with a long cloth trailing behind it. As we got closer it turned out to be a scarf, which was being waved out the window like a flag. What the flag bearer failed to notice was that the end was getting closer and closer to the rear wheel, almost getting caught. When we drew alongside at the lights, we saw the scarf was wrapped around the child's neck. It goes without saying we yelled for them to stop and pointed out the danger their daughter was in. In this case we got a big thank-you ... It's always best to say something, even if the other party gives you the bird."